Aayal QureshiDubai, UAE – Varun Chakaravarthy delivered a stellar performance, claiming five wickets as India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in a thrilling encounter at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With this victory, India secured the top spot in Group A and booked their place in the semi-finals, where they will face Australia in Dubai on Tuesday. New Zealand, finishing second in the group, will take on South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday.
Chakaravarthy’s spell of 5/42 was the highlight of India’s bowling effort, as he dismantled New Zealand’s middle and lower order. He dismissed opener Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry, ensuring the Black Caps were bowled out for 205 while chasing India’s total of 249/9.
New Zealand’s chase was anchored by a resilient 81 from skipper Kane Williamson, who looked poised to guide his team to victory. However, his dismissal, stumped by KL Rahul off Axar Patel’s bowling, triggered a collapse. Despite a fighting 28 off 31 balls from captain Mitchell Santner, the tailenders failed to withstand India’s bowling attack, leading to their downfall.
Earlier, India’s innings saw a late resurgence after a shaky start. Put in to bat first by New Zealand, India lost both openers within the first six overs. Shubman Gill was trapped lbw by Matt Henry, while Rohit Sharma was caught by Will Young off Kyle Jamieson’s bowling. The early blows left India reeling at 30/3 in the seventh over, with Virat Kohli’s dismissal adding to the pressure. Kohli fell to a spectacular catch by Glenn Phillips, leaving the Indian camp in disbelief.
The middle order, however, steadied the ship. Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer stitched together a crucial 98-run partnership for the fourth wicket off 136 balls. Iyer top-scored with 79 before being caught by Young off Will O’Rourke. KL Rahul contributed 23, but his dismissal, stumped by Tom Latham off Santner’s bowling, halted India’s momentum. Ravindra Jadeja (16) fell to another stunning catch by Williamson, diving to his left off Henry’s bowling.
Henry was the pick of New Zealand’s bowlers, finishing with a five-wicket haul (5/42). He wrapped up India’s innings by dismissing Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami in the final over. Despite New Zealand’s disciplined bowling, Hardik’s run-a-ball cameo in the middle order helped India post a competitive total of 249.
New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly Santner, kept India’s run rate in check. Santner’s 14th over was the first maiden bowled to India in the tournament, showcasing their tight bowling. However, India’s late surge and Chakaravarthy’s heroics with the ball ensured they emerged victorious, setting up an exciting semi-final clash against Australia.
Brief Scores:
India: 249/9 in 50 overs (Shreyas Iyer 79, Axar Patel 47; Matt Henry 5/42)
New Zealand: 205 all out in 45.3 overs (Kane Williamson 81, Mitchell Santner 28; Varun Chakaravarthy 5/42)
Result: India won by 44 runs.
Player of the Match: Varun Chakaravarthy.
